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South Wigston school charges for confiscated mobile phone return South Wigston school charges for confiscated mobile phone return
(about 4 hours later)
A school has been criticised for charging parents for the return of their child's confiscated mobile phone.A school has been criticised for charging parents for the return of their child's confiscated mobile phone.
South Wigston High School's policy says phones "will be confiscated and returned to parents only. A £2 contribution to the school's charity will be required for return".South Wigston High School's policy says phones "will be confiscated and returned to parents only. A £2 contribution to the school's charity will be required for return".
The Department for Education said schools cannot levy compulsory charges.The Department for Education said schools cannot levy compulsory charges.
The Leicestershire secondary school - which has banned pupils having mobiles - said the payment was "voluntary".The Leicestershire secondary school - which has banned pupils having mobiles - said the payment was "voluntary".
The school says mobile phones are banned because they are "known to be a major tool for bullying" and "a distraction to learning".The school says mobile phones are banned because they are "known to be a major tool for bullying" and "a distraction to learning".
One parent called the charge "disgusting", adding: "I think it is important they do have their phones.One parent called the charge "disgusting", adding: "I think it is important they do have their phones.
"They have to walk home, so why shouldn't she [her daughter] have her phone if it's kept in her bag during the school day?""They have to walk home, so why shouldn't she [her daughter] have her phone if it's kept in her bag during the school day?"
Another mother called the policy "brilliant" and said her son was at school to learn not to play on his mobile.Another mother called the policy "brilliant" and said her son was at school to learn not to play on his mobile.
"Phones should stay at home. Parents should be penalised for allowing their child to take it to school," she added."Phones should stay at home. Parents should be penalised for allowing their child to take it to school," she added.
Head teacher Susan Webb published a statement online to parents which said: "Although we request a £2 charity contribution when parents collect mobile phones, this is voluntary and no parent is made to contribute."Head teacher Susan Webb published a statement online to parents which said: "Although we request a £2 charity contribution when parents collect mobile phones, this is voluntary and no parent is made to contribute."
She asked parents to write to her if they wanted their child to have a phone for the school journey.She asked parents to write to her if they wanted their child to have a phone for the school journey.
'Heads know best''Heads know best'
Ms Webb told the BBC there were about two of charges issued per week and said the policy was "working well". Ms Webb told the BBC there were about two charges issued per week and said the policy was "working well".
A Department for Education spokesman said the Secretary of State supported schools banning phones, and if they were banned it should be set out in their behaviour policies.A Department for Education spokesman said the Secretary of State supported schools banning phones, and if they were banned it should be set out in their behaviour policies.
"Head teachers know best how to run their schools and we trust them to make those decisions," he said."Head teachers know best how to run their schools and we trust them to make those decisions," he said.
Schools cannot levy compulsory charges for activities or items unless being charged for is optional, the spokesman added.Schools cannot levy compulsory charges for activities or items unless being charged for is optional, the spokesman added.
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